The Ultimate Guide to Scones: A Plain Flour Recipe for Perfect Results

Scones. Those delightful, crumbly little treats that are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. But achieving that perfect, light-and-airy texture can be tricky. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a foolproof scone recipe using plain flour, ensuring your baking triumphs every time. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips and tricks, optimizing for both taste and SEO.

Why Plain Flour is Perfect for Scones

Plain flour (also known as all-purpose flour) is the ideal base for scones because of its moderate protein content. High-protein flours can lead to tough scones, while low-protein flours result in crumbly, easily-broken ones. Plain flour strikes the perfect balance, giving you that characteristically tender crumb. Don't substitute self-raising flour without adjusting the recipe! We'll explain why later.

The Perfect Scone Recipe (using Plain Flour)

This recipe yields approximately 8 scones.

Ingredients:

• 225g (2 cups) plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 50g (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 15-20ml (1 tbsp + 1 tsp) cold milk
• A little extra milk for glazing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Avoid overworking the dough at this stage! This creates the flaky texture we crave in scones.
4. Add the Milk: Gradually add the cold milk, mixing gently with a knife until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is fine. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough scones.
5. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough down to a thickness of about 2cm (¾ inch). Use a 5cm (2 inch) round cutter to cut out scones. Don't twist the cutter; this seals the edges and prevents rising.
6. Bake: Place the scones onto the prepared baking tray and brush with a little extra milk for a golden-brown finish (optional). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and well-risen.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm with clotted cream and jam!

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Scones

• Tough Scones: Overmixing is the most common culprit. Be gentle!
• Flat Scones: Insufficient baking powder, or a too-hot oven. Check your ingredients and oven temperature.
• Dry Scones: Not enough milk. Next time, add a little more milk gradually.

Why Self-Raising Flour Doesn't Always Work

Self-raising flour already contains baking powder. Using it in this recipe would result in overly-risen, potentially tough scones. This recipe gives you precise control over the leavening, leading to consistently perfect results.

SEO Optimization: Keyword Targeting & On-Page Techniques

This article targets several relevant keywords, including: "scone recipe," "plain flour scones," "easy scone recipe," "perfect scones," "baking scones," and variations thereof. The use of headings (H2, H3), bold text, and a clear, concise structure improves on-page SEO. Furthermore, the inclusion of troubleshooting tips adds value and encourages user engagement, boosting ranking potential. Off-page SEO strategies, such as promoting this article on social media and through relevant online communities, will further enhance its visibility.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to baking perfect scones every time. Happy baking!